DE19526215A1 - Cold drinks dispensing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The drinks dispenser unit, in a table-top variation (10), is contained within a housing (11) and comprises a number of plastic containers (16a-c) of syrup concentrates, or external metallic containers (22) connected by pipes L1, with individual tap units (14a-c) controlled by electromagnetic valves. A cylinder of selection control panel (21) and is also controlled by electromagnetic valves. An electronic control unit operates the valves, according to which selection buttons are pressed, to mix concentrate, propelled by the CO2 gas, and water, and, if selected, to carbonize the drink.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of Ge automatic feeders. It relates to a device for generation and ab handing out various post-mix drinks, each made from egg syrup and still water and / or carbonated water are mixed, whereby

• (a) a tap for each type of drink or syrup see is;
• (b) each tap on the bottom with a mixing spout is equipped, in the internal mixing room the Be components of the mixed drink mixed together and in dispensing a container below;
• (c) a syrup bottle with the opening on each tap can be put on below;
• (d) each Hahnen line connections for propellant, carboni water and / or still water;
• (e) a syrup line is provided in each tap, which from the syrup bottle through the taps down into the Mixing nozzle leads and in which a syrup valve is arranged is net;
• (f) a propellant gas line is provided in each tap, wel che starting from the line connection for propellant gas the cocks and in the syrup bottle  flows and propellant gas to squeeze out the syrup into the Feeds syrup bottle; and
• (g) the line connections for carbonated water and / or Still water through pipes running in the tap are connected to the mixing nozzle and by means of an im Cocks arranged valve can be shut off;

The invention further relates to a method of operation of such a device.

A device of the above Kind is z. B. from EP-A1-0 364 206 in Relation to EP-A1-0 336 730 known.

State of the art

So-called post-mix beverage devices, on request a fruit juice or cola drink, an iced tea or Like. From a syrup and tap water ("still water") and / or carbonized, d. H. CO₂-containing water, through Mi and made into a mug or glass have been known for a long time and are available in a variety of different variants used, among which different operating principles are based and the ent have different advantages and disadvantages.

For example, EP-B1-0 027 880 describes a household Vending machine known, optionally by pressing of corresponding solenoid valves syrup from one of the syrups dispensed into a common mixing trough and there with carbonated and chilled water is mixed, which flows laterally into the mixing trough. The syrup magnet veins Tiles each consist of a U-shaped yoke with a magnet coil, which are fixed to the device, and a Ven part that is housed in the neck of the syrup bottle (one comparable valve construction is from EP-A1-0 515 643 or WO-92/09522 known).  

The advantage of this design is the compact and a fold construction of the device. However, it is disadvantageous for everyone Syrup types shared mixer trough that is easy to use taste overlays in the sequence differ Licher beverages can result. Another disadvantage is that the valve part of the syrup valve into the syrup bottle is integrated and therefore (even with reusable bottles) increased bottle costs and additional waste, which we the combination of plastic and metal parts only with Effort can be disposed of. The syrup will continue to run out the syrup bottles upside down only by means of heavy Power released, which is too different at different syrup levels leads to different dispensing quantities. After all, that is Ge advises inflexible in the application, because it only with special (small) syrup bottles can be operated and not if there is increased demand, optionally on (larger) syrup container (so-called "FIGALS") can be converted.

It is also a post-mix system from EP-B1-0 102 527 known, in which the syrup optionally from small PET fla or larger FIGAL containers. The Si rup containers are separated from the dispenser another part of the facility. For the mix and dispensing, there is a single outlet to which from each of the syrup containers one with flow regulator and solenoid valve equipped line leads. To dispense the syrup, the Pressurized container, using CO₂ as propellant Det, which is also used to carbonize the Tap water is used. The supply of still water or karbo nized water is also ge by means of solenoid valves controls.

The well-known system, which also with an iceberg rider is not a compact tabletop unit conceived, but as a stationary system. The control panel is arranged on a table or counter while  the syrup container under the table or counter are brought. The use of a single outlet is also disadvantage here: water and syrup are separated in the filled cup below, as z. B. in the device according to EP-A2-0 022 589, one results bad mix. However, if a mixture above the Bechers made in the outlet, there is again the problem the taste overlay. In such a case it can by interposing a rinse cycle, as in EP-A1-528 983 or WO-91/17949 is proposed, a Improvement can be achieved, however, using this method a considerable amount of circuitry and control and affects the bar business.

With another group of small post-mix devices a separate tap assigned to the syrup bottle, which the Si rupottle carries and a mechani cal multiple valve for simultaneous control of water and contains syrup flow. In addition to the device already mentioned EP-A2-0 022 589 belongs to this group, which in EP-B1- 0 080 253 in connection with GB-A-2 095 645 Post-Mix device and those in EP-A1-0 364 206 in connection Beverage dispenser proposed with EP-A1-0 336 730 Ness.

The disadvantage of this group of devices is that the constructive design of the individual cocks of the com is that the maintenance and cleaning work because of the complicated structure are very expensive that all Ven tile for water and syrup through the provided mechanical Coupling with an actuator necessarily at the same time must be operated and therefore the mixing ratio is difficult to adjust, and that instead of on the cocks attached syrup bottles no other syrup container can be closed.  

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a compact small mail To create a mixing device with one dispensing unit per syrup type, which with a comparatively simple cock structure Flexible operation allows easy maintenance and cleaning gen and a simple adjustment of the mixing ratio nisses allowed, as well as a simplified procedure for their To specify operation.

The task is performed on a device of the type mentioned solved in that

• (h) the valves as an individually electrically controllable magnet valves are formed; and
• (i) the valves are attached to an electronic control unit are closed.

By designing the valves for the syrup and the water on the individual taps as individually electrically controllable Solenoid valves result in a greatly simplified tap construction with easy adjustability of the mixture relationship. Because there are no mechanical actuators elements are present, each tap can be easily disassembled and cleaned, and is less prone to failure. Because every hah is equipped with all the necessary valves he an autonomous output unit, which means that the device can redundancy is increased.

A first preferred embodiment of the invention Device is characterized in that in the propellant gas device a LPG valve is arranged, which also as Solenoid valve trained and to the electronic control unit unit is connected. On the one hand, this makes it possible for the Syrup bottle only during the syrup delivery with the propellant pressurize. On the other hand, this results in a the particularly easy option in case of use  of a FIGAL container, the LPG line in the tap as and switchable syrup line to use.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention is there characterized in that for the connection of a syrup fla A removable bottle holder is provided on the taps is, which seals with an upper side to the open Syrup bottle can be put on or turned on and with the opposite lower side on the cocks can be plugged in that within the bottle holder the interior of the syrup bottle contains the leading LPG channel, which when you put the bottle holder on the cocks via a propellant gas socket and a propellant existing gas propellant connector the tap gas pipe running behind the tap gas valve is coupled that in each tap above the Mixing nozzle a vertical through hole is provided, that the bottle holder is vertical on the lower side Has syrup spout, which when plugging in the bottle neck ters on the taps through the through hole in the mixing space of the mixing nozzle is sufficient for the syrup line runs vertically through the bottle holder and after emerges from the syrup spout below, and that within the Bottle holder featured a valve part above the syrup nozzle is to see which one can either block the syrup line or can open and together with one concentrate the valve part tric surrounding and arranged on the tap the syrup valve forms.

Through this configuration of the syrup bottle connection the removable bottle holder allows you to change the Si pluck bottles easily and without accidental leakage of syrup. It can e.g. B. syrup bottles with a compartmental screw cap used on the in right position after removing the closure of the fla screwed on and the bottle together with the Bottle holder is then placed upside down on the taps.  

In addition, it is due to the detachability of the bottle holder easily possible, the syrup path by simple measure men so that a syrup instead of a syrup bottle container can be used.

The optional connection of syrup bottles and FIGAL-Contai nern becomes particularly easy if according to another preferred embodiment of the invention in each tap LPG line and the LPG valve are designed so that they are also used as a syrup line or syrup valve if a syrupcon instead of the syrup bottle tainer connected to the line connection for propellant gas and if there is a lockable bypass line in each tap is provided, which is behind the LPG valve from the LPG line branches off and laterally into the through hole tion ends.

The conversion is done according to a further embodiment relieved that a plug-in syrup outlet is provided, which when using a syrup container instead of the fla seal holder sealing in the through hole of the associated against the tap and into the through hole ver bypass line ver with the mixing chamber of the mixing nozzle binds that the propellant pipe in the tap behind the propellant gas valve comprises a gas line piece, which in a Location hole on the top of the tap that opens Bypass line branches off to the side of the location hole, and that either a connecting bolt or a syrup metering valve can be inserted into the receiving bore, the connection provided in the case of a syrup bottle is and the bypass line blocks and the LPG connector connection to the bottle holder and the syrup dispenser valve if a syrup container is connected to the By pass line with the LPG line piece with adjustable Cable cross-section connects.  

The device becomes particularly easy to maintain after the inception according to another preferred embodiment through that the cocks are each designed to be pluggable, that the line connections for propellant, carbonized what water and / or still water each arranged in a holding block net, which are firmly connected to the device, and that each tap releasably inserted into the associated holding block can be, the compounds for propellant gas, kar approved water and / or still water by appropriate Connectors and sockets are manufactured.

The inventive method for operating the device is characterized in that the desired mixing ratio between syrup and carbonated water or still water when preparing a drink by a suitable one timing of the associated solenoid valves reached becomes. This type of control is flexible and easy to use put.

Particularly advantageous in terms of hygienic conditions It is nisse if according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention for keeping the mixing nozzle clean, the magnet Valve for the water supply delayed in front of the solenoid valve opened for the syrup and delayed again after this is closed.

Other embodiments for the device and the method he arise from the dependent claims.

Brief explanation of the figures

In the following, the invention is intended to be based on exemplary embodiments len are explained in connection with the drawing. Show it  

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment example of a device according to the invention, wherein a syrup container is connected instead of a syrup bottle.

FIG. 2 shows the wiring and construction diagram of the device from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged representation of the wiring diagram of a tap from FIG. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged representation of the dry cooling block of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 in a partially sectioned representation (along the section line BB from Fig. 7) the inner construction of a tap from Fig. 1 or 2 with the propellant gas line and the bottle holder for the syrup bottle and the associated holding block;

Fig. 6 in a partially sectioned representation (along the section line AA from Fig. 7) the inner construction of a tap from Fig. 1 or 2 with the lines for still water, carbonated water and mixed water and the associated holding block;

Fig. 7 is a top view of the tap of Figures 5 and 6 with the associated wiring.

Fig. 8, the exemplary control scheme for a Venti cocks le;

FIG. 9 shows the preferred control curves for the control from FIG. 8;

Fig. 10 in a representation analogous to Fig. 5 the cocks when it is converted according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for the use of a FIGAL container instead of a syrup bottle; and

Fig. 11 shows the internal structure of the bottle holder according to Fig. 5.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

In Fig. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown in a perspective front view. The Poxt-Mix device 10 is designed as a table device. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 11 which encloses the individual functional blocks of the device and their connections with one another. On the front, a tap space 12 is provided, in which a plurality of taps 14 a-d for different types of syrup or drinks are arranged next to each other over a shelf 13 . Each of the taps 14 a-d has on its underside a mixing spout 19 in which the syrup and the water are mixed for the respective drink and dispensed into a glass (or a cup) underneath. To set up the glass or cup, the shelf 13 is provided, which can contain a collecting device for spilled drinks in the usual way.

The device is operated via a control panel 21 arranged on the front next to the tap 12 , which, in addition to the buttons necessary for beverage selection and sequence control, also includes the corresponding displays for the selected beverage type, the operating state and, for example, the filling level of the individual containers . Behind the control unit 21 , a CO₂ bottle 20 can conveniently be accommodated and connected in a niche provided for it, which emits CO₂ for the carbonation of the water required for beverage preparation and as a propellant gas for the syrup removal. For water extraction, the post-mix device 10 is connected to a conventional water pipe. The Wasseranschlußlei device and the necessary power cord are not shown in Fig. 1. To cover the tap space 12 and the CO₂ bottle 20 pivotable flaps can be attached to the housing 11 , which are not shown in Fig. 1.

The syrup for the preparation of beverages is usually made of plastic (PET) and can be reused 16 r-bottles which are placed in the dispensing chamber 12 upside down on the associated taps 14 a-c. Each syrup bottle 16 a-c is held in a bottle holder 17 which contains the valve part of an electromagnetic syrup valve. The associated magnetic coil 18 , which is arranged on the top of the tap, surrounds the bottle holder 17 concentrically. Each tap 14 a-d is designed to be pluggable and can be inserted into an associated holding block 15 by means of suitable plug elements, which is firmly attached to the housing 11 or the rear wall of the tap space 12 . Further details of the cocks 14 a-d are not shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of clarity and will be explained in more detail later in connection with the other figures.

Instead of the PET syrup bottles 16 a-c, larger metallic syrup containers 22 (so-called "FIGALS") can also be used - as is shown by way of example in FIG. 1 for the cocks 14 d - which in a manner to be explained later via a Syrup line L1 can be connected to device 10 . Such a replacement is appropriate if larger quantities of the corresponding beverage type are implemented, but a changeover from the desktop device to a stationary system is not practical.

The system diagram of a device according to FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2, whereby for reasons of space some system parts (the cocks 14 a-d and the dry cooling block 35 ) are not provided with reference numerals and only in connection with the following FIGS. 3 and 4 are explained. The system scheme includes as essential system parts the taps 14 a-d, a dry cooling block 35 , a refrigeration compressor 37 with associated evaporator 40 , condenser 38 and cooling fan 39 , the CO₂ bottle 20 with the bottle connection 26 , and the water line L4 with a water filter 30 , one Water pressure regulator 29 and a high pressure pump 27 . The individual parts of the system are connected to each other by different lines (LPG line L2, CO₂ pressure line L3, line for carbonated water L5 and still water line L6), which contain different control and regulating elements as well as measured value receivers. For sequence control, a central electronic control (not shown here for reasons of space) ( 119 in FIG. 8) is provided, to which the individual transducers and control and display elements from the control unit 21 are connected, and which controls the various solenoid valves. Another electronic control takes over the control of the water and tem perature level in the dry cooling block 35 .

The wiring diagram of the individual tap 14 is shown again enlarged in Fig. 3. The general LPG line L2 leads via a LPG regulating valve 43 to the tap 14 and runs within the tap as a tap-specific LPG line L9 via an (electromagnetic) LPG valve 41 to the syrup bottle 16 . At the end of the LPG line L9, a check valve (not shown) ( 137 in FIG. 11) is arranged to prevent syrup from entering the LPG line. A syrup line L8 runs from the syrup bottle 16 via an (electromagnetic) syrup valve 42 to the mixing nozzle 19 . In addition, a bypass line 78 (shown in dashed lines) is provided, which leads from the outlet of the LPG valve to just before the mixing nozzle 19 .

Also in the mixing nozzle 19 ends a mixed water line L7, which begins behind a mixing switch 143 and for control and regulation of the water flow contains an (electromagnetic) mixed water valve 46 and a mixing water serdosing valve 47 connected behind it. The two inputs of the mixing valve 143 are connected directly to the still water line L6 and via a metering valve for carbonated water 45 to the line for carbonated water L5.

The internal structure of the dry cooling block 35 is shown again enlarged in FIG. 4. The dry cooling block 35 dispenses with a cooling bath and is therefore largely maintenance-free. It contains embedded in a thermally highly conductive, aluminum-containing casting compound 56, a carbon gate 36 with a carbonator tank 49 for preparing the carbonated water, the evaporator 40 , as well as various cooling coils (water cooling coil 48 , syrup cooling coil 54 and still water cooling coil 55 ) which are connected to the Evaporator 40 are thermally closely coupled. For the control, a thermostat 145 is provided, which is connected to an associated electronic control and controls the cooling capacity of the refrigeration compressor 37 .

Also connected to this electronic control are an upper and a lower level probe 57 and 58 , which monitor the water level in the carbonator 36 . Tap water is supplied to the carbonator 36 from the outside via a water supply line 51 and carbonized water is removed via an outlet for carbonized water 53 . CO₂ is introduced via a CO₂ feed line 52 .

The function of the system shown in Figures 2 to 4 is as follows:

Tap water is cleaned by the water filter 30 (e.g. a Koh leactive filter) and reaches the water pressure regulator 29 , where the water pressure is regulated to approx. 1.8-2.5 bar and then led to a pressure switch (pressostat) 28 . This prevents the subsequent high pressure pump 27 from starting when the water pressure falls below 1.8 bar. If the tap 14 is actuated, due to the falling below the lower ("minimum" -) level probe 58 in the carbonator 36 new water via the high pressure pump 27 , which is controlled by the level probe 58 , with approximately 8-10 bar through the water cooling coil 48 are fed into the carbonator 36 until the upper ("maximum") level probe 57 in the carbonator 36 interrupts the contact of the high-pressure pump 27 (approx. 2 dl of carbonated water can be drawn off until the water level starts from the upper level probe 57 falls below the lower level probe 58 ).

A still water valve 31 , which is attached to the outlet of the water cooling coil 48 , is open when de-energized and can feed new cooled water into the carbonator 36 at any time after falling below the lower level probe 58 until the "maximum" water level is reached again. However, if a semi-carbonated or still beverage is tapped, the command to close the still water valve 31 is issued by means of the electronic control. Thus, no new cooled water reaches the carbonator 36 by means of the high pressure pump 27 , but flows in front of the still water valve 31 via a branch to a water pressure regulator 34 and from there through the still water cooling coil 55 to the tap 14 , where the still water through the metering valve for carbonated water 45 on the mixing switch 143 the proportion of carbonated water (which is why due to the prestressed CO₂ pressure of approx. 5 bar at cock 14 ) is adjusted to the corresponding CO₂ volume content of the corresponding beverage (syrup). However, if only a still water drink (e.g. iced tea) is poured, the metering valve for carbonated water 45 of the mixing switch 143 is rotated until the passage of the soda channel in the tap 14 is closed. By means of the water pressure regulator 34 , the corresponding flow pressure (speed) can be set.

In the dry cooling block 35 the carbonator kettle 49 with approx. 1.5 l content is accommodated as well as the water cooling coil 48 for water from the high pressure pump 27 , the still water cooling coil 55 and a syrup cooling coil 54 (for the possible cooling of the syrup when using a syrup FIGAL container ). These components are cooled by means of the evaporator 40 , a freon cooling coil ( 134 A), from the refrigeration compressor 37 to the optionally set temperature on the thermostat 145 (to approx. + 1 ° C.). The "cast" aluminum block with the aforementioned components such as water and syrup cooling coils and the carbonator is relatively quickly cooled down to the predetermined temperature thanks to the thermostatically controlled refrigeration compressor 37 thanks to the good thermal conductivity. The dry cooling block 35 is surrounded on all sides with a 2 cm thick insulation 50 , so that loss of cold or condensation on the outer jacket is practically impossible.

In contrast to conventional refrigerated carbonators, the dry carbonator used does not have a large cold reserve for large quantities of beverages, but thanks to the direct injection of Freon ( 134 A) into the cooling coil (the evaporator 40 ) is very quickly back to the desired temperature. The conventional wet cooling carbonator, on the other hand, is usually operated with an ice bank (a separate ice sheet) in the carbonator, where thanks to this system there is a longer cold reserve for carbonated water, but it also takes a longer time to build up the ice sheet , whereby during this phase no beverages can actually be served due to the formation of flake ice when building the ice bank.

In the exemplary post-mix device 10 , as already mentioned, an integrated CO₂ bottle 20 with 1 kg content is accommodated, which can be connected by means of a quick coupling. The fixed CO₂ pressure of approx. 5 bar by means of a pressure reducer 25 is controlled by a pressure switch (pressostat) 24 . Empty CO₂ content is indicated optically (signal lamp in control unit 21 ). The CO₂ pressure of 5 bar passes through a check valve 32 a, which is arranged immediately before the carbonator 36 , in the carbonator tank 49 , which is thus "biased". After "preloading" the carbonator boiler 49 by means of CO₂ to a pressure of approximately 5 bar, water can be fed in via the high-pressure pump 27 until the upper level probe 57 is reached. Through this system, the water can be influenced by the cooling CO₂ absorb and carbonized water (siphon) is created. The colder the water is, the faster CO₂ is absorbed into the water. An overpressure of more than 8 bar in the boiler can be reliably prevented by a (not shown) vent valve (safety valve) on the carbonator tank 49 .

As soon as the carbonator 36 is filled with water and the CO₂ pressure of approx. 5 bar is applied to the cabonator tank 49 , the taps 14 a-d are filled with carbonated water via the line for carbonated water L5 to the mixed water valve 46 . If a tap is operated, carbonated water can pass through the open mixing water valve 46 and via the mixing water metering valve 47 into the mixing nozzle 19 and from there into the drinking glass (or into the beverage cup).

From the integrated CO₂ bottle 20 , the CO₂ continues as a propellant to a fine pressure regulator 23 (0-1 bar). The set CO₂ pressure of approx. 0.5 bar then passes in front of the individual taps to the propellant gas regulating valve 43 (for the fine adjustment of the different types of syrup) and from there to the propellant gas valve 41 in the tap 14 . If the tap 14 is actuated, the CO₂ flows through the open propellant valve 41 and the integrated check valve into the syrup bottle 16 . Simultaneously with the opening of the propellant gas valve 41 on the tap 14 , the solenoid 18 ( FIG. 1) is also supplied with current by the electronic control. The syrup valve 42 is actuated by the magnetic field in the magnetic coil 18 . Thus, syrup can get into the mixing nozzle 19 and is mixed there with water to the corresponding ready-made drink and into the drink glass.

Of particular importance in the device according to the invention is the internal structure of the cocks 14 a-d. In Fig. 5 this internal structure is shown in a partially sectioned representation (along the one section never BB from Fig. 7). The cocks 14 in its simplest configuration consist of a cuboid block (e.g. made of plexiglass) in which the individual line connections are incorporated. All A adjusting and connecting elements and valves are designed to be attachable from the outside, so that these parts are easily accessible for maintenance and / or cleaning work. In addition, the whole tap 14 is designed to be pluggable, with a holding block 15 which is fixedly mounted on the housing, for. B. is screwed to the rear wall of the tap space 12 , takes over the function of the plug-in base. To fix and secure the cock NEN 14 in the holding block 15 is preferably provided at least one attached to the cock 14 and equipped with an annular groove coupling pin 84 , which takes up when inserting the cock in the holding block of a corresponding bore 87 and through a perpendicular to it in a further bore 88 insertable retaining bolt 146 is locked.

In the holding block 15 , a rearward outgoing first line connection 89 is provided, to which the propellant gas line L2 coming from the fine pressure regulator 23 ( FIG. 2) is connected. The first line connection 89 goes inside the holding block 15 into a first connection socket 91 , in which the cocks 14 can be plugged with a corresponding first connection plug 86 to establish the connection for the propellant gas (CO₂). Between the first line terminal 89 and the first connection socket 91 , a first (spring-loaded) connection valve 90 is arranged, which closes off the LPG line L2 as soon as the cocks 14 are removed from the holding block 15 , and is automatically opened by the first connection plug 86 as soon as the Hah NEN 14 is plugged back into the holding block 15 . This reliably prevents CO 2 from flowing out unintentionally when the taps are removed.

From the first connector 86 , which is equipped with an O-ring 85 for sealing purposes, runs a first from angled LPG line piece 83 to LPG valve 41 , which is arranged on the top of the cocks 14 . From the propellant gas valve 41 , a second, U-shaped propellant gas line piece 82 extends to a receiving bore 144 , into which a connecting bolt 79 for the propellant gas can be inserted from above. The (electromagnetic) propellant valve 41 comprises a valve seat 77 , on which a valve spring 73 biased by means of a valve spring 71 is pressed with a sealing surface 75 in a sealing manner. The valve stem 73 is guided in a valve housing 70 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction. It can be moved in the vertical direction by means of a magnet coil 74 arranged concentrically around the valve housing 70 . For this purpose, the valve stem 73 is either itself made of soft iron or a comparable material or at least contains a core 72 (shown in dashed lines) made of such a material. An inserted O-ring 76 is provided to seal the valve housing 70 to the outside.

The connecting bolt 79 is also sealed from the outside in the receiving bore 144 by an underlying O-ring 81 . As a result, the bypass line 78 is closed at the same time, which extends laterally from the receiving bore 144 and leads horizontally to an adjacent, parallel through bore 60 , the function of which is explained below. In the interior of the (not shown cut th) connecting bolt 79 runs a (dashed line), vertical through hole 80 through which propellant gas from the second propellant line piece 82 can reach a propellant gas connector plug 67 arranged at the upper end of the connecting bolt 79 . The propellant gas connector 67 fits into a propellant gas connector socket 66 , which is housed in a connection arm 64 which is integrally formed on the bottle holder 17 at the side. For sealing in the inserted state, the propellant gas connector 67 carries an O-ring 69 . Above the O-ring 69 a circumferential ring groove 68 is arranged, in the (dashed line) Ver connecting channels to the through hole 80 ends.

If the syrup bottle 16 with the screwed-on bottle holder ter 17 is completely plugged onto the cocks 14 , the propellant gas connector 67 is completely received by the propellant gas connection socket 66 and propellant gas can be unhindered through the through hole 80 via the connecting channels and the annular groove 68 in a propellant gas channel 65 flow in, which leads through the connecting arm 64 and the interior of the bottle holder 17 to the syrup bottle 16 .

On the underside of the bottle holder 17 a valve part 59 connects to the halter at completely inserted bottle 17 is concentrically surrounded by the solenoid coil 18, and together with this the syrup valve 42nd Below the valve part 59 , an elongated syrup nozzle 61 is net angeord, which extends through the through hole 60 into a mixing chamber 44 within the mixing nozzle 19 . The mixing spout 19 is also designed to be pluggable or screwable, with another O-ring 62 being inserted to seal the outside. Inside the mixing spout 19 is a plate-shaped, provided with holes verse hen water distributor 63 is provided to improve the mixing effect, which surrounds the syrup spout 61 in a ring.

The inner structure of the bottle holder 17 is in a partially cut and enlarged view in FIG. 11 again. In the cylindrical main part of the bottle holder 17 , a blind hole with an internal thread is embedded, in which the Si rup bottle 16 can be screwed with a bottle thread 130 formed on its neck. To seal out from sen a flat seal 131 is arranged on the bottom of the blind hole, against which the upper end of the bottle neck presses when screwed in.

The actual syrup channel is formed by an inner tube 132 which extends from the blind hole down through the bottle holder 17 . The inner tube 132 is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube 129 for its protection. In the space between the inner pipe 132 and outer pipe 129 , a propellant gas pipe 138 is led upwards, which is closed at its upper end by a conventional check valve 137 (for example, working with a steel ball). The check valve 138 ensures that, although propellant gas (CO₂) into the syrup bottle 16 , syrup cannot flow back into the propellant line. The propellant gas pipe 138 merges at its lower end into the propellant gas duct 65 already mentioned above, which leads within the connecting arm 64 to the propellant gas connection socket 66 .

The inner tube 132 ends at the bottom in an interior of the valve part 59 , where the actual syrup valve is formed by a valve cone 140 which, with its cone tip at rest, is pressed by a valve spring 134 against a correspondingly shaped sealing ring 133 and thus the inner tube 132 below closes. The valve cone 140 - like the valve stem 73 of the propellant gas valve 41 in FIG. 5 - either consist of a soft magnetic material itself or have a core inside which reacts to a magnetic field. In the open state, that is, when the valve cone is pulled downward against the force of the valve spring 134 by the magnetic field generated by the solenoid 18 , the syrup can leak out of the inner tube 132 and reach (e.g. through in the valve cone 140 provided through break openings 139 ) on the underside of the valve cone 140 , where it flows through an outlet channel 136 in the syrup nozzle 61 . The syrup nozzle 61 is exchangeable and can be screwed into the valve part from below. For this purpose, it is provided with an external thread 135 . The diameter of the outlet channel 136 largely determines the outlet speed of the respective syrup and therefore depends on its viscosity.

FIG. 6 shows a partially sectioned representation (along the section line AA from FIG. 7) of the internal structure of the tap 14 with the lines for still water, carbonated water and mixed water. In the holding block 15 line connections 109 and 108 for still water or carbonated water are accommodated, to which the corresponding lines L6 and L5 are connected. As with the propellant gas connection from FIG. 5, connection valves 107 and 110 and corresponding connection sockets 111 and 112 are also provided, into which the cocks 14 with the associated connection plugs 105 and 114 sealed by O-rings 106 and 113 can be inserted. Within the tap, the lines for carbonated water and still water are brought together in the mixing switch 143 , a regulating screw 103 being used to adjust the proportion of carbonated water, which is O-ring-sealed and arranged in a threaded plate 104 which can be screwed on and in completely screwed in condition can completely prevent the inflow of carbonated water. The regulating screw 103 thus forms the metering valve for carbonized water 45 from FIG. 3. It should be expressly noted at this point that - if a mixture of carbonated water and still water is not required - on the mixing switch 143 , the regulating screw 103 and one the line connections 108 or 109 can be dispensed with entirely.

An angled mixing water line piece 116 runs from the mixing switch 143 to the subsequent mixed water valve 46 . The structure of the mixed water valve 46 with the solenoid 96, the valve housing 97, the valve spring 98, the valve stem 100, the sealing surface 101 and valve seat 102 is virtually identical. 5 leads to the construction of the propellant gas valve 41 of FIG From the output of mixed water valve 46, the Mixed water line (in the same way as the LPG line piece 82 from FIG. 5) to the mixed water metering valve 47 . The mixed water metering valve 47 has an externally with the connecting bolt 79 from FIG. 5 comparable valve body 94 , which is inserted into a corresponding blind hole in the tap 14 and is sealed to the outside with an O-ring 115 . Inside the valve body 94 , a regulating screw 95 is arranged, which can be screwed down with means of a screw thread so far that it closes the outlet of the mixed water line with a sealing surface 93 at the lower end or throttles the flow of the mixed water. The regulating screw 95 is sealed at the top by a further O-ring 118 . If the sealing surface 93 releases the mixed water flow when the screw is in a suitable position, the mixed water can flow through (dashed lines) Durchlaßboh openings in the valve body 94 into a mixed water channel 92 , which mün det above into the mixing chamber 44 of the mixing nozzle 19 . In this way, mixed water with a preset mixing ratio carbonated water / still water from lines L5 or L6 can get into the mixing nozzle 19 and be mixed there with the syrup that is dispensed from the syrup nozzle 61 on the bottle holder 17 . The mixture of syrup and water is supported by the water distributor 63 ( Fig. 5).

If - as already mentioned at the beginning - a larger syrup container is connected to one or more taps instead of a syrup bottle, the tap 14 is changed in its propellant part so that instead of FIG. 5, FIG. 10 gives it. The propellant gas supply is converted into a syrup supply overall: Instead of the propellant gas line L2, a connection (coming from the syrup container 22 or from the syrup cooling coil 54 ) is connected to the line connection 89, a syrup line L1. In place of the connecting bolt 79 , a syrup metering valve 120 is used which, with its valve body 127 , the regulating screw 128 , the O-ring 126 , the through holes 142 and the sealing surface 125 has the same structure as the mixed water metering valve 47 from FIG. 6. The through holes 142 ensure that the coming out of the line piece 82 is open, syrup adjusting screw 128 changed largely ungehin can flow through the bypass line 78 to the through bore 60th Instead of the bottle holder 17 with its Si ruptülle 61 a plug-in syrup spout 121 is inserted into the through hole 60 from below, which contains a comparable to the rupture channel 136 ( FIG. 11) of the syrup spout 61 Si rupkanal 123 . The syrup channel 123 is connected to the outlet of the bypass line via through holes (shown in broken lines). To seal up and down O-rings 122 , 124 are provided. With the conversion shown, the syrup can be quickly and easily supplied from the container through the same taps to the same mixing nozzle.

The operation of the device according to the invention is still once summarized:

In the simplest version, the newly developed tap 14 is provided with a block connection for carbonated water and with a propellant or CO₂ connection when using syrup bottles. The tap is plugged with its two connection plugs 86 and 105 into the holding block 15 with the two connection valves 90 and 107 for carbonized water and CO₂, whereby the passage for carbonized water and CO₂ to the respective solenoid valve 41 and 46 is opened. The tap is then secured to the holding block 15 with (e.g. two) holding bolts 146 . The line for carbonated water L7 reaches the outlet of the solenoid valve 46 via the metering valve 47 with an integrated regulating screw 95 to the mixing chamber 44 . The CO₂ channel exits the solenoid valve 41 through the plug connection 66 , 67 , 79 to the bottle holder 17th The receiving hole 144 of the connecting bolt 79 is equipped with an O-ring 81 so that a flow of the CO₂ into the bypass line 78 and from there to the mixing chamber 44 is prevented ( Fig. 5).

When using a syrup container, the guidance of the carbonated water in tap 14 remains unchanged. Instead of the CO₂, syrup is supplied from the steel container via a syrup line L1 (cooled down if necessary via the syrup cooling coil 54 in the dry cooling block 35 ) to the block connection. The Si rup in turn passes to the solenoid valve 41 and from there via the syrup metering valve 120 into the bypass line 78 to the plug-in syrup outlet 121 ( FIG. 10).

The cock is constructed so that the cock block is always the same, but different accessories are used depending on the application: When using "syrup from the Stahlcon tainer", a metering valve 120 and the plug-in Si rupauslauf 121 are used. When using "CO₂ on the taps" or "syrup from a bottle", the metering valve 120 is swapped with the connecting pin 79 and the plug-in syrup outlet 121 is removed so that the syrup nozzle 61 of the syrup bottle holder 17 can be passed.

In the aforementioned simplest version, only a water connection is provided at the block connection. This means that no mixed water (proportion of carbonated water / still water) can be regulated on the tap. In a further development of the tap, what is built into the tap a mixing switch 143 , with which the proportion of highly carbonated or still water can be adjusted to the corresponding CO₂ volume content of the beverage by means of a regulating screw 103 on the tap. This ensures that the crossover is easily accessible for fluctuations.

Before the syrup (whether from the syrup bottle or from the syrup steel container) is mixed with the CO₂-containing mixed water or only the still water, the water is directed via an integrated water distributor 63 in the mixing nozzle 19 and after the mixing nozzle 19 with the syrup as Ready drink mixed and poured into the glass.

The (four in the example) cocks 14 a-d of the device are controlled via the operating part 21 by means of an electronic control 119 ( FIG. 8), which is accommodated on a printed circuit board. Each individual tap is controlled with its electrical components such as the water valve 46 and the propellant valve 41 and the solenoid 18 with 24 volts from the printed circuit board. For each tap, therefore, the amount of water (opening the water valve 46 ) can be programmed and stored, as can the propellant gas or syrup valve 41 and the solenoid 18 on the PET bottle holder 17 . The mixing ratio of the drink is set by the timing of the associated solenoid valves.

The software of the electronics is designed so that the propellant gas valve 41 and the syrup valve 42 open (preferably 2/10 sec) later than the water valve 46 and also forcibly (preferably at least 2/10 sec) before the water valve is closed . This individual time-delayed control of the syrup valve and the forced closing of the syrup valve in front of the water valve results in a very desirable cleaning effect in the mixing spout 19 . The previous closing of the syrup valve and the individually set "run-on time" of the water valve result in a rinsing of water in the mixing nozzle. Any sticking of syrup to the mixing nozzle is practically impossible with every serving served by rinsing water. The time profiles of the switching curves K1, K2 and K3 of the propellant valve 41 , the syrup valve 42 and the water valve 46 are shown by way of example in FIG. 9. The switching times t2 and t3 for the first two valves are within the switching interval t1-t4 of the water valve.

The opening times of the syrup valve, ie the run-out times of the syrup for all drinks per syrup type, are added together by means of time measurement by the electronic control and when the preset stored value is reached, the optical (flashing) signal "syrup empty" is emitted on the control unit 21 . As long as the "syrup empty" signal is not acknowledged, no new drink can be served from the corresponding tap.

By means of the electronic control 119 , the corresponding taps (or several taps) that require still water with carbonated water or only still water can be assigned on the printed circuit board, ie the still water valve must be used for a semi-carbonated or still water drink 31 are controlled so that mixing is possible on the mixing switch 143 in the tap.

The electronic control 116 for the cocks takes into account the following points:

• - Time dosing of the water valve per tap (programming and Save); Quantity 1 (e.g. 2 dl)
• - Time metering of the propellant gas or syrup valve per tap (Programming and saving); Amount: 1
• - Empty display of the syrup PET bottle by optical flashing per tap (programming and saving the individual adjustable time from 0-1028 seconds); Amount: 1
• - Still water allocation per tap to control the still water solenoid valve 31
• - Time dosing from the water valve per tap; Quantity 2 (e.g. 3rd dl)
• - Time metering from the propellant gas or syrup solenoid valve; Quantity 2
• - empty display of the syrup PET bottle; Quantity 2
• - Possibility to switch from quantity 1 to quantity 2.

Overall, the invention results in a post-mix device, which is compact in structure, flexible in application, and easy to clean and maintain.  

In a device ( 10 ) for producing and dispensing various post-mix drinks, each of which is mixed from a syrup and still water and / or carbonated water, a tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) is provided for each type of drink or syrup; each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) is equipped on the underside with a mixing nozzle ( 19 ), in which the components of the mixing drink are mixed together in the mixing chamber ( 44 ) and are dispensed into an underlying container; a syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) can be placed with the opening facing down on each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d); each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) has line connections ( 89 , 108 , 109 ) for propellant gas, carbonated water and / or still water; in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) there is a syrup line (L8) which leads from the syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) down through the tap into the mixing nozzle ( 19 ) and in which a syrup valve ( 42 ) is arranged; in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) a propellant line (L9) is also provided, which extends from the line connection for propellant gas ( 89 ) through the tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) and opens into the attached syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 ac) and feeds propellant into the syrup bottle to squeeze out the syrup; and the line connections for carbonated water and / or still water ( 108 and 109 ) are each connected to the mixing nozzle ( 19 ) by lines (L7) running in the tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) and can be connected by means of a tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) arranged valve ( 46 ) can be shut off.

Such a device allows flexible operation with a comparatively simple tap construction, is easy to maintain and clean, and permits simple adjustment of the mixing ratio if the valves ( 42 , 46 ) are designed as individually electrically controllable solenoid valves; and the valves ( 42 , 46 ) are connected to an electronic control unit ( 119 ).

Reference list

10th Post-mix device
11 casing
12th Tap space
13 Footprint
14 Cocks
14a- d cocks
15 Holding block
16 Syrup bottle
16a- c syrup bottle
17th Bottle cage
18th Solenoid coil (syrup valve)
19th Mixing nozzle
20th CO₂ bottle
21 Control panel
22 Syrup container (Figal)
23 Fine pressure regulator
24th,28 Pressure switch (pressostat)
25th Pressure reducer
26 Bottle connection
27 high pressure pump
29,34 Water pressure regulator
30th Water filter
31 Still water valve
32a, b Check valve
33 check valve
35 Dry cooling block
36 Carbonator
37 Refrigeration compressor
38 capacitor
39 Cooling fan
40 Evaporator
41 LPG valve
42 Syrup valve
43 LPG regulating valve
44 Mixing room
 45 Dosing valve for carbonated water
46 Mixed water valve
47 Mixed water metering valve
48 Water cooling coil
49 Carbonator boiler
50 isolation
51 Water supply (carbonator)
52 CO₂ supply line (carbonator)
53 Carbonized water outlet
54 Syrup cooling coil
55 Still water cooling coil
56 Sealing compound
57 upper level probe
58 lower level probe
59 Valve part
60 Through hole
61 Syrup spout
62,76 O-ring
63 Water distributor
64 Connecting arm
65 LPG channel
66 LPG connection socket
67 LPG connector
68 Ring groove
69 O-ring
70,97 Valve body
71,98 Valve spring
72,99 core
73,100 Valve stem
74, 96 solenoid
75,101 Sealing surface
77,102 Valve seat
78 Bypass line
79 Connecting bolts
80 Through hole
81,85 O-ring
82,83 LPG pipe section
 84 Coupling pin
86,105,114 Connector
87,88 drilling
89,108,109 Line connection
90,107,110 Connection valve
91,111,112 Connection socket
92 Mixed water channel
93,125 Sealing surface
94,127 Valve body
95,128 Regulating screw
103 Regulating screw
104 Threaded plate
106,113 O-ring
115,117 O-ring
116 Mixed water pipe section
118,126 O-ring
119 electronic control unit
120 Syrup metering valve
121 plug-in syrup spout
122,124 O-ring
123 Syrup channel
129 Outer tube
130 Bottle thread
131 Flat gasket
132 Inner tube
133 Sealing ring
134 Valve spring
135 External thread
136 Outlet channel
137 check valve
138 LPG pipe
139 Breakthrough opening
140 Valve cone
141,142 Through hole
143 Crossover
144 Location hole
145 thermostat
 146 Retaining bolt
K1,. . ., K3 switching curve
L1, L8 syrup line
L2, L9 LPG line
L3 CO₂ pressure line
L4 water pipe
L5 line for carbonated water
L6 still water pipe
L7 mixed water pipe
t1,. . ., t4 time

Claims (19)

1. Device ( 10 ) for producing and dispensing various post-mix drinks, which are each mixed from a syrup and Stillwas water and / or carbonated water, wherein

• (a) a tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) is provided for each type of drink or syrup;
• (b) each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) is equipped on the underside with a mixing nozzle ( 19 ), in the internal mixing space ( 44 ) of which the components of the mixing beverage are mixed together and dispensed into a container below;
• (c) a syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) can be placed with the opening facing down on each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d);
• (d) each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) has line connections ( 89 , 108 , 109 ) for propellant gas, carbonated water and / or still water;
• (e) a syrup line (L8) is provided in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d), which leads from the syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) down through the tap into the mixing nozzle ( 19 ) and in which a syrup valve ( 42 ) is arranged;
• (f) a propellant gas line (L9) is provided in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d), which runs from the line connection for propellant gas ( 89 ) through the tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) and in the attached syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 ac) opens and feeds propellant into the syrup bottle to squeeze out the syrup; and
• (g) the line connections for carbonated water and / or still water ( 108 or 109 ) are each connected to the mixing nozzle ( 19 ) by lines (L7) running in the tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) and by means of a tap ( 14 ; 14 ad) arranged valve ( 46 ) can be shut off;

characterized in that

• (h) the valves ( 42 , 46 ) are designed as individually electrically controllable solenoid valves; and
• (i) the valves ( 42 , 46 ) are connected to an electronic control unit ( 119 ).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in the propellant gas line (L9) a propellant gas valve ( 41 ) is arranged, which is also designed as a solenoid valve and is connected to the electronic control unit ( 119 ). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that for the connection of a syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) to the taps ( 14 ; 14 a-d) a removable bottle holder ( 17 ) is provided, which has an upper side sealing the open syrup bottle can be plugged on or turned on and with the opposite lower side on the cocks ( 14 ; 14 a-d), and that within the bottle holder ( 17 ) into the interior of the syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 ac) leading propellant gas channel ( 65 ) runs, which when plugging in the bottle holder ( 17 ) on the taps via a propellant gas socket ( 66 ) and a propellant gas connector ( 67 ) existing propellant gas connector to the propellant gas line (L9) behind the LPG valve ( 41 ) is coupled. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that in each of the taps ( 14 ; 14 a-d) above the mixing spout ( 19 ) a vertical through hole ( 60 ) is provided that the bottle holder ( 17 ) on the lower side a vertical Si ruptülle ( 61 ) which, when the bottle holder ( 17 ) is plugged onto the taps through the through hole ( 61 ) into the mixing space ( 44 ) of the mixing nozzle ( 19 ), extends so that the syrup line (L8) runs vertically through the bottle holder ( 17 ) runs through and downwards out of the syrup nozzle ( 61 ), and that within the bottle holder ( 17 ) above the syrup nozzle ( 61 ) a valve part ( 59 ) is provided which can optionally block or open the syrup line (L8) and together with one of the valve part ( 5 ) concentrically surrounding and on the tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) arranged Magn etspule ( 18 ) forms the syrup valve ( 42 ). 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) the propellant line (L9) and the propellant valve ( 41 ) are designed so that they can also be used as Si rupleitung or syrup valve if instead of the syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) a syrup container ( 22 ) is connected to the line connection for propellant gas ( 89 ), and that in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) a lockable bypass line ( 78 ) is provided, which is behind the propellant gas valve ( 41 ) branches off from the propellant gas line (L9) and opens laterally into the through hole ( 60 ). 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that a plug-in syrup outlet ( 121 ) is provided which, when using a syrup container ( 22 ) instead of the bottle holder ( 17 ), is sealingly inserted into the through hole ( 60 ) of the associated cocks and the connects the bypass line ( 78 ) opening into the through bore ( 60 ) to the mixing chamber ( 44 ) of the mixing nozzle ( 19 ). 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the propellant gas line (L9) in the taps ( 14 ; 14 a-d) behind the propellant gas valve ( 41 ) comprises a propellant gas line piece ( 82 ), which it in a receiving bore ( 144 ) on the top of Hahnen ( 14 ; 14 a-d) opens that the bypass line ( 78 ) branches off laterally from the receiving bore ( 144 ), and that either a connecting bolt ( 79 ) or a syrup metering valve ( 120 ) can be inserted into the receiving bore ( 144 ), the connection bolt ( 79 ) is provided in the case of using a syrup bottle and blocks the bypass line ( 78 ) and switches the propellant gas plug connection to the bottle holder ( 17 ), and the syrup metering valve ( 120 ) in the case of connecting a syrup container ( 22 ) the bypass line ( 78 ) with the LPG line piece ( 82 ) with adjustable line cross-section. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cocks ( 14 ; 14 a-d) are each pluggable out. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the line connections for propellant gas, carbonated water and / or still water ( 89 , 108 , 109 ) are each arranged in a holding block ( 15 ) which is fixedly connected to the device ( 10 ) , and that each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) can be detachably inserted into the associated holding block ( 15 ), the connections for propellant gas, carbonated water and / or still water using appropriate connectors ( 86 , 105 , 114 ) and connectors ( 91 , 111 , 112 ). 10. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that for the preparation of the carbonated water a bottle connection ( 26 ) for a CO₂ bottle, a carbonator ( 36 ) connected to a water pipe (L4) and one of the bottle connection ( 26 ) to the carbonator ( 36 ) leading CO₂ pressure line (L3) is provided, and that a still water line (L6) is provided for providing the still water, which branches off from the water line (L4) in front of the carbonator ( 35 ). 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the carbonator ( 36 ) for cooling the carbonized water in egg nem dry cooling block ( 35 ) is housed, in which a connected to a refrigeration compressor ( 37 ) evaporator ( 40 ) is arranged that the Still water pipe (L6) in a still water cooling coil ( 55 ) is led through the dry cooling block ( 35 ). 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that when using a syrup container ( 22 ) instead of a syrup bottle ( 16 ; 16 a-c) for cooling the syrup in the dry cooling block an additional syrup cooling coil ( 54 ) is provided. 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in each tap ( 14 ; 14 a-d) line connections for carbonated water and still water ( 108 and 109 ) are seen before that behind the line connections for carbonic water and Still water ( 108 and 109 ) a mixing switch ( 143 ) is arranged, in which the carbonated water and still water are brought together and passed on in a common mixed water pipe ( 116 , L7), that means ( 103 ) for the mixing switch ( 143 ) Adjustment of the mixing ratio between carbonated water and still water are provided, and that the control of the water supply is carried out by a mixed water valve ( 46 ) arranged behind the mixing switch ( 143 ) in the mixed water line (L7). 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for adjusting the mixing ratio between carbonated water and still water comprise a regulating screw ( 103 ) arranged in the supply line for carbonated water. 15. Device according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that a mixed water metering valve ( 47 ) is provided for adjusting the water supply in the mixed water line (L7) behind the mixed water valve ( 46 ). 16. A method for operating a device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the desired mixing ratio between syrup and carbonated water or still water when preparing a beverage by suitable timing of the associated solenoid valves ( 42 , 46 or . 41 , 46 ) is reached. 17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that in order to keep the mixing nozzle ( 19 ) the solenoid valve for the water inlet ( 46 ) before the solenoid valve for the syrup ( 42 or 41 ) opened and staggered after this as the closed. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the time offset is a fraction of a second, preferably about 2/10 seconds.